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Lemon spaghetti with shrimp is a bright, tasty dish. It combines fresh flavors with a creamy sauce. You can make this meal in just 20 minutes. It serves four people and is perfect for any night. To make this lemon spaghetti with shrimp, you will need: - 8 oz spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) This dish is not just delicious but also quite balanced. Here’s a quick look at what you get in one serving: - Calories: 450 - Protein: 28g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Total Fat: 20g - Fiber: 2g You can enjoy a meal that feels good and tastes even better. For the full recipe, check the details above. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need: - 8 oz spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Make sure your shrimp is fresh. Check for any shells left on. Mince the garlic finely. Zest the lemon before juicing it. This zest adds a bright flavor. Fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water is starchy and useful for adjusting the sauce later. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes until they smell great. Be careful not to let the garlic brown. Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. When done, the shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Now, stir in the lemon juice and zest. Pour in the heavy cream. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly. Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta to coat it in the lemon-shrimp sauce. If it looks dry, add some reserved pasta water until you reach the right consistency. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve the dish right away. Garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if you like. You can find the full recipe for this dish in the earlier section. To get a great sauce, start with the right balance. Use olive oil and heavy cream. Olive oil adds depth, while cream gives a rich feel. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water bit by bit. This helps create a silky texture. Always stir well to combine all the flavors. Seasoning is key for flavor. I like to use salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Start with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Taste as you go. If you want more zing, add lemon juice. The balance of salt and lemon is what makes this dish pop. Cooking shrimp takes just a few minutes. Heat your skillet and add shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for that pink color; it tells you they are ready. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can turn rubbery. Juicy, tender shrimp make this dish shine. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can boost the flavor and color by adding vegetables. Try tossing in fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes. Both add taste and a healthy twist. Cook the spinach until it wilts. Add the tomatoes just before mixing in the pasta. You can also add zucchini or bell peppers for extra crunch. Simply sauté them with garlic before adding the shrimp. If shrimp isn't your thing, you have options. Chicken or scallops work well in this dish. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook them until golden. Scallops cook quickly, just like shrimp. Season them the same way. These proteins absorb the lemony flavor, making every bite delicious. For gluten-free lemon spaghetti, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many options available, like brown rice or chickpea pasta. They cook similarly, so follow the package instructions. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any flavor. Enjoy this dish without worry! For the full recipe, check out the details above! After you make Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp, let it cool first. Then, store it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Always keep it in the fridge. The shrimp and pasta will taste best when eaten fresh, but you can enjoy leftovers. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. You can freeze Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp for up to two months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing. It’s best to avoid freezing the shrimp if they are cooked, as they can become rubbery. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, warm it in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. If you choose the stovetop, add a splash of water or olive oil in a pan over low heat. Stir frequently until it’s hot. This will help keep the pasta from drying out. Enjoy your meal again! Making Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp takes about 30 minutes. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it great for busy nights. You can enjoy a fresh, flavorful dish without a long wait. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. This method saves time and still gives you tasty shrimp. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also try Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. For a dairy-free choice, use coconut cream. Each option gives a different flavor, so pick one you like best. For the full recipe, check the section above. In this post, we explored how to make Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. You learned about variations, storage, and answered common questions. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With this recipe, you can impress family and friends. Enjoy your meal and feel proud of your cooking skills.

Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp

Ready to impress with a delicious dinner? This Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp recipe is your go-to for an easy and flavorful meal that's on the table in just 20 minutes. With a zesty lemon sauce, tender shrimp, and creamy goodness, it's perfect for busy nights or special occasions. Dive into the step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to make it your own. Click through to discover the full recipe and get cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.

        Stir in the lemon juice and zest, followed by the heavy cream. Mix until well combined and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

          Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the lemon-shrimp sauce. If the pasta looks dry, add reserved pasta water a bit at a time until desired consistency is achieved.

            Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

              Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the spaghetti in a large bowl, with lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of extra parsley for a vibrant, fresh look.